Casinos
Growing up in NJ, my father worked at Bally's for years. He started there when it was first built and he insisted that casinos were a great idea for all of the reasons many of you are bringing up. HOWEVER, it didn't take long for the many negatives to become apparent -- ever increasing violent and other crime, prostitution, drugs -- and where there is an opportunity to make a lot of money, Goodfellas are usually present. It didn't long before Dad would come home and the stories were about the robberies, prostitutes, suicides, scam artists, pending strikes, etc.
Casinos were supposed to bring prosperity to the local economy, create respectable jobs, bring prosperity and wealth to the surrounding towns, lead to high-end residential and commercial development for miles and miles. Unfortunately, we saw the rise of seedy motels, watched AC and many surrounding towns decline, and watched drugs, crime and prostitution grow.
I moved to NH because I want to live in NH and I accept it as it is. I did not move up here and want to change it into another state or expect the same amenities I left behind -- I would have stayed in NJ if I wanted all that came with it.
The CT casinos are close enough. Just a quick ride and whoever wants to gamble can quickly get there.
Taxes are high in NH -- but don't be fooled into thinking that casinos will do anything to alleviate them.
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